Which character do you want Nina to end up with?

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Nov 2024

9

Sett has huge character growth in the manga. His development and his relationship with Nina are just too good to drop in favor of "first love". I usually prefer first ML but in this story, Sett has won in my opinion. It's like the author intended him to be the hero all along.

Dec 10, 2024 2:19 AM

#5

Ambeon

Offline

Nov 2018

1002

the bird is only one that truly understands her

Dec 10, 2024 2:21 AM

#6

syl__via

Offline

Mar 2021

47

Anemss said:
Because Az says "I'm sorry I need to save the world" vs Sett that shout "Touch her and you will die".

Bad boys win in fantasy and good boys win in real life.

yes to this 👍🏻👍🏻

Dec 10, 2024 3:31 AM

#7

Offline

Oct 2012

2241

Sett because from the start there is a certain unbalance between Az and Nina that only gets worst with the rest of the story. Nina looks up to Az way too much while Sett is more on equal footing with her and pushes her agency.

As a manga reader there is no doubt for me that Sett should be endgame

Dec 10, 2024 3:52 AM

#8

Offline

Nov 2023

1776

I love how most votes are for the guy who slashed her open with his sword! So romantic, I hope those votes are supposed to be ironic!!!

Dec 10, 2024 4:48 AM

#9

Offline

Nov 2024

9

Reply to FutoiOtaku

I love how most votes are for the guy who slashed her open with his sword! So romantic, I hope those votes are supposed to be ironic!!!

@FutoiOtaku Same guy who stops with the violence against her soon after that, allows her to get close to him and care for his pet bird, gets wounded by a tiger while saving her, lets her keep a baby tiger as a pet when she asks him to use his royal power, just sleeps beside her and doesn't try anything weird when the king pushes them to share a bed, keeps her from being physically harmed by his brother, starts displaying affection to her, opens up to her about his traumatic past, goes out of his way to cheer her up when she is sad, kisses her gently with love as a confession, TEACHES HER SWORDPLAY just because she wants to learn it, respects her will when she rejects another kiss, ASKS HER PERMISSION to be affectionate with her and she allows him a hug, saves her again from being killed in the martial arts tournament... Yes, that is all very romantic 😍 Enemies to lovers done right. And I haven't even started on how Sett continues to improve even more in the manga later on.

hachimitsu-sanDec 10, 2024 4:57 AM

Dec 10, 2024 5:56 AM

#10

Offline

Nov 2023

1776

hachimitsu-san said:
@FutoiOtaku Same guy who stops with the violence against her soon after that, allows her to get close to him and care for his pet bird, gets wounded by a tiger while saving her, lets her keep a baby tiger as a pet when she asks him to use his royal power, just sleeps beside her and doesn't try anything weird when the king pushes them to share a bed, keeps her from being physically harmed by his brother, starts displaying affection to her, opens up to her about his traumatic past, goes out of his way to cheer her up when she is sad, kisses her gently with love as a confession, TEACHES HER SWORDPLAY just because she wants to learn it, respects her will when she rejects another kiss, ASKS HER PERMISSION to be affectionate with her and she allows him a hug, saves her again from being killed in the martial arts tournament... Yes, that is all very romantic 😍 Enemies to lovers done right. And I haven't even started on how Sett continues to improve even more in the manga later on.

I know that’s a good take on the way the story is written, but I still think that in real life no woman or girl could put being casually almost gutted by a guy behind them and accept them in any way. But the progression of the story does smoothly move you past all that. If you have a short attention span and don’t carry the scar on your own body.

Dec 10, 2024 6:03 AM

#11

Han_17

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Jan 2023

133

no doubt, Sett!

(character limit)

Dec 10, 2024 7:00 AM

#12

belinha800

Offline

Dec 2024

11

Nina vai escolher ficar Seet porque ele tocou coração dela do outro lado tem Azure apesar de amar Nina ele vai escolher salvar o mundo Amo muito Seet maravilhoso 😍😍

Dec 10, 2024 8:36 AM

#13

Offline

Nov 2024

9

Reply to FutoiOtaku

hachimitsu-san said:
@FutoiOtaku Same guy who stops with the violence against her soon after that, allows her to get close to him and care for his pet bird, gets wounded by a tiger while saving her, lets her keep a baby tiger as a pet when she asks him to use his royal power, just sleeps beside her and doesn't try anything weird when the king pushes them to share a bed, keeps her from being physically harmed by his brother, starts displaying affection to her, opens up to her about his traumatic past, goes out of his way to cheer her up when she is sad, kisses her gently with love as a confession, TEACHES HER SWORDPLAY just because she wants to learn it, respects her will when she rejects another kiss, ASKS HER PERMISSION to be affectionate with her and she allows him a hug, saves her again from being killed in the martial arts tournament... Yes, that is all very romantic 😍 Enemies to lovers done right. And I haven't even started on how Sett continues to improve even more in the manga later on.

I know that’s a good take on the way the story is written, but I still think that in real life no woman or girl could put being casually almost gutted by a guy behind them and accept them in any way. But the progression of the story does smoothly move you past all that. If you have a short attention span and don’t carry the scar on your own body.

@FutoiOtaku As someone who has read the manga multiple times, my attention span is just fine. In the story, Nina takes out her anger at Sett for slashing her by punching her pillow and resolves to think of her scar as a deal she made with Sett to get him to acknowledge she will be his wife, since marrying him is a goal she takes very seriously to achieve. The historical setting adds to the complexity of the situation, but that's another discussion. Also, if you allow it, Sett gets his body scarred for saving Nina from the tiger's attack, which seems to be the plot's way of punishing him for giving her a scar.

Besides, I think it's up to the victim to forgive or not. Nina IS a forgiving character. She forgave Az very quickly for making her pretend to be Alisha. He also changed his way of dealing with her, and asked for her cooperation rather than force her to follow his orders, totally different than his first encounter with her. And while Az had initially planned to kill Nina before she reached Galgada to put the blame on the enemy country, after he started caring for her he was willing to even let her go free. I think Az and Sett are both bad if we look at the story realistically, it's just that Sett's development takes a bit longer and his errors are more obvious due to intentional manipulation on the mangaka's writing.

That said, would I have written Sett as less evil in the beginning if I wanted to sell a love triangle manga? Absolutely. It's valid criticism to point out Sett's initial toxicity is a huge red flag irl. Even though Sett's goal when he is introduced is far from developing a relationship with Nina. He wants to push her away.

You can even prefer Az, think of him as the better man after all, however much Sett reforms, but circumstances change and make Azure's relationship with Nina very difficult to support later on. You have to read the manga to understand.

But if you don't oversimplify and judge the MLs solely on the basis of their first impressions, then you can totally see why so many people ship a fictional fantasy couple such as Sett x Nina unironically.

hachimitsu-sanDec 10, 2024 8:51 AM

Dec 10, 2024 10:04 AM

#14

LittleStar

Offline

Sep 2008

4451

like both! ❤️

#teamharemending ❤️

⋆ other clubs ⋆

Dec 10, 2024 1:24 PM

#15

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Nov 2023

1776

hachimitsu-san said:
@FutoiOtaku As someone who has read the manga multiple times, my attention span is just fine. In the story, Nina takes out her anger at Sett for slashing her by punching her pillow and resolves to think of her scar as a deal she made with Sett to get him to acknowledge she will be his wife, since marrying him is a goal she takes very seriously to achieve. The historical setting adds to the complexity of the situation, but that's another discussion. Also, if you allow it, Sett gets his body scarred for saving Nina from the tiger's attack, which seems to be the plot's way of punishing him for giving her a scar.

Besides, I think it's up to the victim to forgive or not. Nina IS a forgiving character. She forgave Az very quickly for making her pretend to be Alisha. He also changed his way of dealing with her, and asked for her cooperation rather than force her to follow his orders, totally different than his first encounter with her. And while Az had initially planned to kill Nina before she reached Galgada to put the blame on the enemy country, after he started caring for her he was willing to even let her go free. I think Az and Sett are both bad if we look at the story realistically, it's just that Sett's development takes a bit longer and his errors are more obvious due to intentional manipulation on the mangaka's writing.

That said, would I have written Sett as less evil in the beginning if I wanted to sell a love triangle manga? Absolutely. It's valid criticism to point out Sett's initial toxicity is a huge red flag irl. Even though Sett's goal when he is introduced is far from developing a relationship with Nina. He wants to push her away.

You can even prefer Az, think of him as the better man after all, however much Sett reforms, but circumstances change and make Azure's relationship with Nina very difficult to support later on. You have to read the manga to understand.

But if you don't oversimplify and judge the MLs solely on the basis of their first impressions, then you can totally see why so many people ship a fictional fantasy couple such as Sett x Nina unironically.

I think you’re really overthinking the whole thing tbh! Your opinion that Nina gets over a near fatal injury by punching her pillow is completely insane! She doesn’t forgive him, but is committed to marrying him to protect Azure and his country. I’m sure the writing moves the story in the writer’s chosen direction, which as anime only I know nothing of. And if he writes her character as so stupidly forgiving that she can fall in love with a man who cruelly scarred her and reduced her value for all men (not my opinion, just the way their barbaric world works). I imagine Azure will vow to destroy Sett if he gets to know about that too…
Btw I never accused you of poor attention span, just intimated that a lot of the votes are from people generally of that nature. Know for yourself which side of that line you fall, no need to be defensive.
And finally I still see your defending of a hateful piece of scum as a changed man is in reality outrageous despite the fact that in the context of this story he is written that way. Before Nina he ruined the lives of countless potential brides, but that’s ok too I guess cos he became good…

Dec 10, 2024 3:17 PM

#16

bom-

Offline

Feb 2023

151

love to see 80% for sett😭 glad to see I won't be the only one disappointed if it ends up the other way around

Dec 10, 2024 4:21 PM

#17

Offline

Nov 2024

9

Reply to FutoiOtaku

hachimitsu-san said:
@FutoiOtaku As someone who has read the manga multiple times, my attention span is just fine. In the story, Nina takes out her anger at Sett for slashing her by punching her pillow and resolves to think of her scar as a deal she made with Sett to get him to acknowledge she will be his wife, since marrying him is a goal she takes very seriously to achieve. The historical setting adds to the complexity of the situation, but that's another discussion. Also, if you allow it, Sett gets his body scarred for saving Nina from the tiger's attack, which seems to be the plot's way of punishing him for giving her a scar.

Besides, I think it's up to the victim to forgive or not. Nina IS a forgiving character. She forgave Az very quickly for making her pretend to be Alisha. He also changed his way of dealing with her, and asked for her cooperation rather than force her to follow his orders, totally different than his first encounter with her. And while Az had initially planned to kill Nina before she reached Galgada to put the blame on the enemy country, after he started caring for her he was willing to even let her go free. I think Az and Sett are both bad if we look at the story realistically, it's just that Sett's development takes a bit longer and his errors are more obvious due to intentional manipulation on the mangaka's writing.

That said, would I have written Sett as less evil in the beginning if I wanted to sell a love triangle manga? Absolutely. It's valid criticism to point out Sett's initial toxicity is a huge red flag irl. Even though Sett's goal when he is introduced is far from developing a relationship with Nina. He wants to push her away.

You can even prefer Az, think of him as the better man after all, however much Sett reforms, but circumstances change and make Azure's relationship with Nina very difficult to support later on. You have to read the manga to understand.

But if you don't oversimplify and judge the MLs solely on the basis of their first impressions, then you can totally see why so many people ship a fictional fantasy couple such as Sett x Nina unironically.

I think you’re really overthinking the whole thing tbh! Your opinion that Nina gets over a near fatal injury by punching her pillow is completely insane! She doesn’t forgive him, but is committed to marrying him to protect Azure and his country. I’m sure the writing moves the story in the writer’s chosen direction, which as anime only I know nothing of. And if he writes her character as so stupidly forgiving that she can fall in love with a man who cruelly scarred her and reduced her value for all men (not my opinion, just the way their barbaric world works). I imagine Azure will vow to destroy Sett if he gets to know about that too…
Btw I never accused you of poor attention span, just intimated that a lot of the votes are from people generally of that nature. Know for yourself which side of that line you fall, no need to be defensive.
And finally I still see your defending of a hateful piece of scum as a changed man is in reality outrageous despite the fact that in the context of this story he is written that way. Before Nina he ruined the lives of countless potential brides, but that’s ok too I guess cos he became good…

@FutoiOtaku

Your opinion that Nina gets over a near fatal injury by punching her pillow is completely insane!

That's not me, it's literally the way Nina deals with what Sett did. I don't think she forgave him entirely just then, but it's her strong will to not let this intimidate her. And she does forgive him gradually over the anime's timeline or she wouldn't say to herself that she really wants to take care of Sett at a later episode, for instance. By then, she has to remind herself that her goal is to protect Fortna and Az, but she's already caught the feelings for the guy she's taming, as she sees her influence on him is transformative, she finds out he can be a caring person if he receives love for the first time in his life. Are this story and Nina's character realistic? Hardly. But you have to suspend disbelief for many other things Nina does pretty much the entire show. The girl has no sense of danger, sometimes.

Btw I never accused you of poor attention span, just intimated that a lot of the votes are from people generally of that nature. Know for yourself which side of that line you fall, no need to be defensive.

Ok. I couldn't help it. I enjoy discussing this story way too much. It just has so many layers and the anime can't properly convey everything. But it isn't for everyone's tastes. I like the manga but I also see its problems. And I get that not everyone will like that Sett is gonna be redeemed, no matter what. His mistakes are very reproachable, indeed.

FutoiOtaku said:
And finally I still see your defending of a hateful piece of scum as a changed man is in reality outrageous despite the fact that in the context of this story he is written that way. Before Nina he ruined the lives of countless potential brides, but that’s ok too I guess cos he became good…

In the context of the whole plot, including his development in the rest of the manga, Sett is exactly that, a changed man. He should probably have suffered more / atoned for each misdeed and for each person he wronged. It looks like the author is choosing to let his rights make up for his wrongs, in a generic way, though. Sett even says he hasn't done enough good deeds to die yet, at some point in the anime. The philosophy of justice in this story seems to be more about compensation than retribution.

hachimitsu-sanDec 10, 2024 4:28 PM

Dec 11, 2024 12:24 AM

#18

betaweeb

ranked 54 in FAL

Offline

Mar 2018

1600

I’d like it for Nina to end up with hikami. But the two male leads are pretty cool as well I guess.

Dec 11, 2024 2:26 AM

#19

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Nov 2023

1776

@Hachimitsu-san It’s quite compelling the way you support the feelings of Nina for Sett, and yes I agree and already have previously that in story context it works to an acceptable level. But real people in the real world voting in favour of a dangerous, abusive woman hater with a past record of casual cruelty and killing is what confuses me. If my daughter had turned up with her new boyfriend who just happened to have been released from prison recently after serving 6 years for grievous wounding, could I accept her gullible story that “He’s served his time and paid his debt to society and he’s a good man now”? Absolutely no way! But in a romantic story somehow it’s ok…
The door to their relationship development is obviously Nina protecting her original homeland from invasion and therefore trying to acquire a position of influence in the new one. But I still struggle with the ability of a traumatised teen girl to drop her guard against her nearly-killer.
All in all, it’s a good story for stimulating conversations like this and I’m glad to be watching it unfold.

Dec 11, 2024 5:26 AM

#20

dyllnerys

Offline

Nov 2019

5

I always have a 2nd lead syndrome, but i hope this time around it's really different. I'm still in my hellweek for school, can't wait to read the manga so soon!!! x.x

Dec 11, 2024 8:11 AM

#21

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Nov 2024

9

Reply to betaweeb

I’d like it for Nina to end up with hikami. But the two male leads are pretty cool as well I guess.

@betaweeb Aww, and I'd like for General Holt to be a love interest for Nina, but he's already got someone else as manga readers know :-)

Dec 11, 2024 10:52 AM

#22

0arche

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Jan 2024

232

Sett the "Hot Rodent" is only attractive in his crazy possessiveness. Azure is a gentle soul, noble, hard-working, faithful; and that is exactly why I don't want him to end up with a messy girl Nina, he deserves someone who only has eyes for him. Guess that makes me team Sett.

777

Dec 11, 2024 11:17 AM

#23

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Nov 2024

9

Reply to 0arche

Sett the "Hot Rodent" is only attractive in his crazy possessiveness. Azure is a gentle soul, noble, hard-working, faithful; and that is exactly why I don't want him to end up with a messy girl Nina, he deserves someone who only has eyes for him. Guess that makes me team Sett.

@0arche I dig your perspective. Nina and Sett deserve each other. Nina doesn't deserve Azure... and Azure doesn't deserve Nina! Therefore, Sett x Nina is a no-brainer ship. Unless, of course, Rikachi says otherwise by the end of her manga.

hachimitsu-sanDec 11, 2024 1:45 PM

Dec 11, 2024 8:36 PM

#24

Bardwyne

Offline

Feb 2021

23

Reply to betaweeb

I’d like it for Nina to end up with hikami. But the two male leads are pretty cool as well I guess.

@betaweeb if we're whipping out the lilies, Ann would be a cute option

Dec 12, 2024 5:24 AM

#25

Musanka

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Sep 2008

44

Well, Nina literally promised Sett to stay with him forever and to make him happy…

Dec 13, 2024 5:32 PM

#26

ThekingofNevelan

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Feb 2019

18

bom- said:
love to see 80% for sett😭 glad to see I won't be the only one disappointed if it ends up the other way around

It’s won’t

Spoiler: Nina said “bye my first love” to Az
And Az said to Sett, “when she wake up, the first thing she said is Sett..”

Dec 15, 2024 4:00 AM

#27

Biettka

Offline

May 2019

10

Reply to FutoiOtaku

I love how most votes are for the guy who slashed her open with his sword! So romantic, I hope those votes are supposed to be ironic!!!

@FutoiOtaku I always find confusing how some people always feel compelled to compare fiction stories to real life.

I hope you are the one being ironc comparing this story to real life...

I am 100% Sett team. Even though I did enjoyed Az being her first love, really sweet.

Dec 15, 2024 4:42 AM

#28

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Nov 2023

1776

Biettka said:
@FutoiOtaku I always find confusing how some people always feel compelled to compare fiction stories to real life.

I hope you are the one being ironc comparing this story to real life...

I am 100% Sett team. Even though I did enjoyed Az being her first love, really sweet.

Did you read the entire conversation? Probably over a thousand words covering exactly that point from both angles where the two of us involved both saw and accepted each other’s views? Do you somehow think an asinine comment like that added anything at all? Whatever, glad you feel cool for dominating me with your superior intellect, have a nice day.

Dec 15, 2024 6:05 AM

#29

Biettka

Offline

May 2019

10

Reply to FutoiOtaku

Biettka said:
@FutoiOtaku I always find confusing how some people always feel compelled to compare fiction stories to real life.

I hope you are the one being ironc comparing this story to real life...

I am 100% Sett team. Even though I did enjoyed Az being her first love, really sweet.

Did you read the entire conversation? Probably over a thousand words covering exactly that point from both angles where the two of us involved both saw and accepted each other’s views? Do you somehow think an asinine comment like that added anything at all? Whatever, glad you feel cool for dominating me with your superior intellect, have a nice day.

@FutoiOtaku I didn’t read any conversation and I don’t think I have to. I read your comment on top about your assumption on our votes and gave my opinion.

Dec 15, 2024 6:30 AM

#30

Offline

Oct 2012

2241

I just wanted to remind that both boys acted horribly to Nina initially

Az bought her for his own purposes, with intention to have her killed to accuse Galgada after which he confessed to her in episode 3. True he didn't "hurt" her but his starting point with Nina is to have her cooperate and do what he wants. Ni a is pretty naive and has no idea what he really is setting up for her....he's nice and polite, says he needs her, playing straight into her alley of wanting to belong somewhere. Ofcourse he changed his mind once he fell for her maybe pushed by something else at the same time.

The day after Nina encounters Sett who doesn't seem as bad as everyone said,shows her his true colours and tells her his intentions straight in her face. This guy is hostile, has no need of her,contrary doesn't want her, despises her, is violent and is from a warfaring nation where "might is right"

Both boys have been branded by their childhoods in their own way

One raised under pressure to be Mr Perfect, not have any wishes or desires for himself, be a pawn, sacrifice everything for his country...evenso he received the education of prince in schooling, etiquette, martial arts ex and is fully prepared to take up a role as a king.

The other raised in isolation being abused mentally and physically, being starved and wishing for death, numbing all his emotions by a crazy priest up till he 9 years old and seeing that same person kill himself in front of him, he doesn't know his mother, but he suspects she was ashamed of him.....his father is dead and at 12 he is on the battlefields, growing up in violent surroundings. Where the strongest is the one that has power....

Their back stories explain their behaviour in the present and both initially misbehave with Nina

chiakimagotoJan 6, 12:54 AM

Dec 15, 2024 7:07 AM

#31

Offline

Nov 2023

1776

Biettka said:
@FutoiOtaku I didn’t read any conversation and I don’t think I have to. I read your comment on top about your assumption on our votes and gave my opinion.

Pretty dumb opinion, but you’re welcome to it. Have fun when your chosen partner cuts you open and you think it’s fine because it’s just fiction. You think people have to accept casual violence because it’s not real? It’s still a good manga and anime exploring human emotions and politics, why do I have to like Sett? Because he’s prettier? I have justifiable reasons for my opinion which was asked for by OP, you don’t have justification for criticising that opinion on such a ridiculous basis.

Dec 15, 2024 8:07 AM

#32

Offline

Nov 2024

9

Reply to chiakimagoto

I just wanted to remind that both boys acted horribly to Nina initially

Az bought her for his own purposes, with intention to have her killed to accuse Galgada after which he confessed to her in episode 3. True he didn't "hurt" her but his starting point with Nina is to have her cooperate and do what he wants. Ni a is pretty naive and has no idea what he really is setting up for her....he's nice and polite, says he needs her, playing straight into her alley of wanting to belong somewhere. Ofcourse he changed his mind once he fell for her maybe pushed by something else at the same time.

The day after Nina encounters Sett who doesn't seem as bad as everyone said,shows her his true colours and tells her his intentions straight in her face. This guy is hostile, has no need of her,contrary doesn't want her, despises her, is violent and is from a warfaring nation where "might is right"

Both boys have been branded by their childhoods in their own way

One raised under pressure to be Mr Perfect, not have any wishes or desires for himself, be a pawn, sacrifice everything for his country...evenso he received the education of prince in schooling, etiquette, martial arts ex and is fully prepared to take up a role as a king.

The other raised in isolation being abused mentally and physically, being starved and wishing for death, numbing all his emotions by a crazy priest up till he 9 years old and seeing that same person kill himself in front of him, he doesn't know his mother, but he suspects she was ashamed of him.....his father is dead and at 12 he is on the battlefields, growing up in violent surroundings. Where the strongest is the one that has power....

Their back stories explain their behaviour in the present and both initially misbehave with Nina

@chiakimagoto Thx for bringing this up. I really like the points you raised about how each ML was raised and their motivations. It doesn't justify any of their bad actions, but helps explain the difference in their dynamics with Nina at the start of their acquaintances.

I find it futile to argue with people who won't change their mind, and I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion as to what they like / will allow in fiction. Everyone has their own bar of acceptance to how much suspension of disbelief they'll apply. But I'll just leave this for the record, I trust you don't mind ^^ since it's an interesting reflection for the discussion of the ships when ppl in general compare fiction to reality.

If we were to translate this story to 21st century realistic standards, shipping Nina x Az is supporting a couple who only met because a man bought / kinapped a teenage girl, forced her to do a risky job, then talked to her into doing it for the country all the while deceiving her as to what his real intentions were - killing her after using her. This is nothing short of manipulation. Az admits to her face he gave up this plan because "she were no pawn", "he couldn't live without her tearful smile"... in other words, Nina was so interesting of a person his heart melted. Can you imagine if she had been any less spunky? But Nina forgives Az as she soon as he, realizing his wrongdoing, lets her be free of this captivity. Sounds like stockholm syndrome in the real world, to me.

None of the couples in the love triangle have a healthy start. And Az x Nina irl would be like a woman being sold to and held captive by a government agent to do his bidding because national security demands it. I don't think that's very romantic, lol. But then as Az improves by allowing her the option to not accept this huge task, she exercises her agency in following the plan knowing now that she won't be killed anymore. Later, because Az makes the effort to stop the engagement, we start rooting for them to be together. It gets romantic because of the development in Az x Nina relationship. In a similar fashion, Sett x Nina is only romantic after Sett gives up acting with violence and does heroic and nice things for her as they begin to understand each other.

And that is just analysing what the anime shows. If this gets a second season, I wonder how many anime-onlys will still support Az x Nina? Will they see Az's character from the same angle?

hachimitsu-sanDec 15, 2024 8:37 AM

Dec 16, 2024 5:43 AM

#33

chrisma

Offline

Jul 2010

123

Team Sett all the way! I hope Sett never gives up on Nina.

Senjougahara: Don't call me "this chick"
Araragi: Then what should I call you?
Senjougahara: Senjougahara-sama.
Araragi: SEN - JOU - GA - HAA - RAA - SAA - MAA
Senjougahara: I don't like the way you say it. Say it properly.
Araragi: Senjougahara-chan~

Dec 16, 2024 9:08 AM

#34

Magicmist

Offline

May 2015

3471

Azure! Sett still is kind of harsh without Nina there to calm him down. Azure gives Nina the freedom to be as silly as she can without having to hold anyones leash.

Dec 16, 2024 3:00 PM

#35

Sigmar-Unberogen

Offline

Nov 2013

7669

As of episode 11, it seems like Nina can give up on Az after all; Nina x Az ship is slowly but surely sinking. She can definitely find happiness with Sett too. 1 question remains though. Will Sett choose her after Nina's truth is revealed, or will he start hating her for lies; thus giving Nina x Az ship better chances of survival.

I'm still hoping for Az too win, but the show did good job to leave many of us conflicted. Sett isn't a bad choice either. He had major character development.

Dec 17, 2024 10:59 PM

#36

Offline

Oct 2012

2241

Reply to hachimitsu-san

@chiakimagoto Thx for bringing this up. I really like the points you raised about how each ML was raised and their motivations. It doesn't justify any of their bad actions, but helps explain the difference in their dynamics with Nina at the start of their acquaintances.

I find it futile to argue with people who won't change their mind, and I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion as to what they like / will allow in fiction. Everyone has their own bar of acceptance to how much suspension of disbelief they'll apply. But I'll just leave this for the record, I trust you don't mind ^^ since it's an interesting reflection for the discussion of the ships when ppl in general compare fiction to reality.

If we were to translate this story to 21st century realistic standards, shipping Nina x Az is supporting a couple who only met because a man bought / kinapped a teenage girl, forced her to do a risky job, then talked to her into doing it for the country all the while deceiving her as to what his real intentions were - killing her after using her. This is nothing short of manipulation. Az admits to her face he gave up this plan because "she were no pawn", "he couldn't live without her tearful smile"... in other words, Nina was so interesting of a person his heart melted. Can you imagine if she had been any less spunky? But Nina forgives Az as she soon as he, realizing his wrongdoing, lets her be free of this captivity. Sounds like stockholm syndrome in the real world, to me.

None of the couples in the love triangle have a healthy start. And Az x Nina irl would be like a woman being sold to and held captive by a government agent to do his bidding because national security demands it. I don't think that's very romantic, lol. But then as Az improves by allowing her the option to not accept this huge task, she exercises her agency in following the plan knowing now that she won't be killed anymore. Later, because Az makes the effort to stop the engagement, we start rooting for them to be together. It gets romantic because of the development in Az x Nina relationship. In a similar fashion, Sett x Nina is only romantic after Sett gives up acting with violence and does heroic and nice things for her as they begin to understand each other.

And that is just analysing what the anime shows. If this gets a second season, I wonder how many anime-onlys will still support Az x Nina? Will they see Az's character from the same angle?

@hachimitsu-san indeed rl standards aren't very applicable for this story. Like many others out there.

I'm team Sett btw lol....he and Az both acted out at the start. Actually I've always seen this story placed in the dark romance historical fantasy setting it is written to be so anything can happen.

I just always felt Nina is less Nina with Az than with Sett. Because one is making decisions for her without listening, the other asks her directly and actually listens to what she says.
(As I'm also up to date with the manga, no way I can be team Az)

Dec 22, 2024 8:49 PM

#37

lxherr12

Offline

Oct 2021

9

Sett all the way! So much character development and Nina and Sett compliment each other.

May 26, 11:53 AM

#38

saeed1m

Offline

Jan 2016

182

Reply to hachimitsu-san

Sett has huge character growth in the manga. His development and his relationship with Nina are just too good to drop in favor of "first love". I usually prefer first ML but in this story, Sett has won in my opinion. It's like the author intended him to be the hero all along.

@hachimitsu-san I don’t understand those who chose Sett. He’s a ruthless and insane character who suffers from psychological issues. On the other hand, Az is a normal and kind-hearted person.
It’s really disappointing that people prefer a psychotic killer just because of his charismatic appearance and pride over a compassionate and caring human being.

Oct 15, 8:42 PM

#39

giaa16

魔法少女

Offline

Nov 2020

442

I love Azure, but that's because I'm a SUCKERRRR for men with dark hair and beautiful eyes. After reading the comments here and semi-spoiling myself with manga information, I still can't help but want BOTH. BOTH! I'm so emotional. ( ;_;)

°:. *₊ ° . ° .• 𝐼𝒻 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝑒𝓁𝓁𝓈 𝓂𝑒 𝒾𝓉’𝓈 𝒶 𝓂𝒾𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝒽𝑜𝓅𝑒,

𝓌𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓃, 𝐼’𝓁𝓁 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎’𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝓇𝑜𝓃𝑔. °:. *₊ ° . ° .•

𝚍𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜

𝚗𝚎𝚠𝚜𝚕𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜

Nov 5, 4:11 PM

#40

AvidZKTJo

Offline

Sep 2021

31

Just finished watching this tonight and I'm flabbergasted by all this love for Sett, the abusive psychotic murdering r@pist!!! He literally slashed her with a sword, so he's an abuser, something I'd NEVER forgive or move on from. But worse than that, he clearly r@ped all of his previous potential brides and did who knows how many unspeakable things to them while they were his prisoners. Not to mention he's an emotionless murdering psychopath!!! I could NOT look past all of these humongous red flags to see anything redeeming in him at all. Please, Azure, save my girl Nina!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nov 10, 1:05 PM

#41

Offline

Oct 2012

2241

Reply to AvidZKTJo

Just finished watching this tonight and I'm flabbergasted by all this love for Sett, the abusive psychotic murdering r@pist!!! He literally slashed her with a sword, so he's an abuser, something I'd NEVER forgive or move on from. But worse than that, he clearly r@ped all of his previous potential brides and did who knows how many unspeakable things to them while they were his prisoners. Not to mention he's an emotionless murdering psychopath!!! I could NOT look past all of these humongous red flags to see anything redeeming in him at all. Please, Azure, save my girl Nina!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@AvidZKTJo we actually have no idea what really happened in that first scene. Remember these girls were all sent to Sett by their countries for only one thing: become his wife and bear an heir for political connections and power. They must have been aware of their role as sad as that is but a reality for women even in a historical rl context.

Sett must have also been aware what they wanted and what Noa expected from him but he was having none of it.

Who knows if these girls might have been waiting for him in his room to succeed in safeguarding their place as his wife, to seal the deal of political connection between their territories like their parents probably raised them and pushed them for.

They all were being used by the older people of the noble houses.

Maybe when he saw them he thought something like "oh you guys want to play that game!" And hopped into the bed, being an asshole, where one of them eventually tried to kill him, probably when she understood he wasn't going to marry any of them being a bully in yhe process.

I don't think he touched any of them because he wasn't going to "make an heir" with any of them, he was very aware what they wanted and why they had come there: he was refusing to cooperate and choose any of them. Nina in all this was ofcourse never groomed for that role nor did Az or the old geezer clearly explain what marriage expectations were between a prince and princess. Make an heir....

There are many little details where we see what kind of expectations were pushed on Sett, he despised it all.

Not that I condone his behavior but it fits the historical context where marriages were used to seal alliances and power. He was not interested at all, just full of cold anger and despite.

Nothing like what happened with Az who didn't have any pressure to procure an heir, cause he wasn't the crown prince but he was the one scheming to secure the alliance between their countries using Nina, through a marriage deal.🤷‍♀️

chiakimagotoNov 10, 1:10 PM

Nov 10, 3:45 PM

#42

AvidZKTJo

Offline

Sep 2021

31

chiakimagoto said:
@AvidZKTJo we actually have no idea what really happened in that first scene. Remember these girls were all sent to Sett by their countries for only one thing: become his wife and bear an heir for political connections and power. They must have been aware of their role as sad as that is but a reality for women even in a historical rl context.

Sett must have also been aware what they wanted and what Noa expected from him but he was having none of it.

Who knows if these girls might have been waiting for him in his room to succeed in safeguarding their place as his wife, to seal the deal of political connection between their territories like their parents probably raised them and pushed them for.

They all were being used by the older people of the noble houses.

Maybe when he saw them he thought something like "oh you guys want to play that game!" And hopped into the bed, being an asshole, where one of them eventually tried to kill him, probably when she understood he wasn't going to marry any of them being a bully in yhe process.

I don't think he touched any of them because he wasn't going to "make an heir" with any of them, he was very aware what they wanted and why they had come there: he was refusing to cooperate and choose any of them. Nina in all this was ofcourse never groomed for that role nor did Az or the old geezer clearly explain what marriage expectations were between a prince and princess. Make an heir....

There are many little details where we see what kind of expectations were pushed on Sett, he despised it all.

Not that I condone his behavior but it fits the historical context where marriages were used to seal alliances and power. He was not interested at all, just full of cold anger and despite.

Nothing like what happened with Az who didn't have any pressure to procure an heir, cause he wasn't the crown prince but he was the one scheming to secure the alliance between their countries using Nina, through a marriage deal.🤷‍♀️

While yeah, I can see your points, Sett still rubs me the wrong way. I just can't write off his abusive behavior and move on from that. It's just a huge red flag in any man (fictional or not) that no amount of hotness can overcome. I can't forgive him for the abuse to Nina nor the abuse, including but not limited to possible r@pe, to his other potential brides. He just gives me the ick. 🫤

Nov 10, 10:30 PM

#43